Earthquake

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth's surface. Earthquakes can cause buildings and bridges to collapse, down telephone and power lines, and result in fires, explosions and landslides. Earthquakes can also cause huge ocean waves, called tsunamis, which travel long distances over water until they crash into coastal areas.

Earthquakes occur most often in states west of the Rocky Mountains, though violent earthquakes have occurred in the eastern U.S. as well. Populations in 41 states or territories are at moderate to high risk. Scientists cannot precisely predict when earthquakes will occur.

How to prepare for earthquakes

Look for items in your home that could become a hazard in an earthquake:

Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves. Fasten shelves to walls. Brace high and top‑heavy objects.

Store bottled foods, glass, china and other breakables on low shelves or in cabinets that can fasten shut.

Anchor overhead lighting fixtures.

Check and repair deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations. Get expert advice, especially if there are signs of structural defects.

Be sure the house is firmly anchored to its foundation.

Know where and how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Check with your local utilities for instructions.

Hold earthquake drills with your family.

Locate safe spots in each room ‑under a sturdy table or against an inside wall. Reinforce this information by physically placing yourself and your family in these locations.

Identify danger zones in each room ‑ near windows where glass can shatter or near bookcases or furniture that can fall over. During an earthquake, each family member should move away from these danger zones to the nearest safe spot.

Gather emergency supplies and prepare for evacuation in case earthquake damage is severe. See Evacuation and Emergency Planning and Checklists pages more for information.

Develop a plan for reuniting, your family after an earthquake. Establish an out‑of‑state telephone contact for family members to call to let others know that they're okay.

Review your insurance policies. Some damage may be covered even without specific earthquake insurance. Protect important home and business papers.

What to do during an earthquake

In an earthquake, keep calm and stay where you are. Most injuries during earthquakes occur when people are hit by falling objects when entering or exiting buildings.

If you are indoors, take cover under a sturdy desk, table or bench, or against an inside wall, and hold on. Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors or walls and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.

If you are outdoors, stay there. Move away from buildings, street lights and utility wires.

In a crowded public place, do not rush for a doorway ‑ other people will have the same idea. Take cover, and move away from display shelves containing objects that can fall.

In a high‑rise building, get under a sturdy desk, away from windows and outside walls. Stay in the building on the same floor, an evacuation may not be necessary. Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms go on. Do not use elevators.

In a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits, and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses or utility wires. Then, proceed cautiously, watching for road and bridge damage.

What to do after an earthquake

Be prepared for aftershocks. These secondary shock‑waves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures.

Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.

If the victim is not breathing but has good pupil reflex, carefully position the victim for artificial respiration, clear the airway and commence mouth‑to‑mouth resuscitation.

Maintain body temperature with blankets. Be sure the victim does not become overheated.

Never try to feed liquids to an unconscious person.

If the electricity goes out, use flashlights or battery powered lanterns. Do not use candles, matches or open flames indoors after the earthquake because of possible gas leaks.

Check your home for structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your home inspected by a professional before entering.

Check chimneys for damage. The initial check should be made from a distance. Have a professional inspect the chimney for internal damage before lighting a fire.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids inside buildings. Evacuate the building if gasoline fumes are heavy and the building is not well ventilated.

Visually inspect utility lines and appliances for damage.

If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave the building. Shut off the main gas valve outside, if you can. Report the leak to the gas company from a neighbor's house. Stay out of the building. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

If there is electrical damage, switch off all electrical power at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.

If water pipes are damaged, shut off the water supply at the main valve.

Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.

If water is cut off, use water from the water heater.

Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

Use the phone only to report a life threatening emergency.

Listen to news reports for the latest emergency information.

Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for hazards created by the earthquake, such as fallen objects, downed electrical wires, weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks.

If you live near coastal waters, be aware of possible tsunamis, also known as tidal waves. When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach. See the Tsunami page for more information.